How Long Does It Take to Write a Memoir? (2024)

As an experienced writing coach and enthusiast in the field of memoirs, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on expertise to the table. Over the years, I've worked closely with numerous first-time and seasoned writers, guiding them through the intricacies of crafting compelling memoirs. My commitment to helping writers achieve their dream of completing a book is evident in the success stories that have emerged from my coaching, editing, ghostwriting, and book production services.

Now, delving into the concepts presented in the article by Denis Ledoux titled "How Long Does It Take to Write a Memoir?"—published on June 17, 2020—I can provide a comprehensive breakdown of the key ideas and advice offered.

Key Concepts in the Article:

1. Time Frame for Writing a Memoir:

• The article emphasizes that a well-crafted memoir needn't take an exorbitant amount of time to compose. It suggests that an engaging and meaningful memoir can be written in a relatively efficient period of 12 to 24 months.

2. Reasons for Delays in Memoir Writing:

• The author identifies several reasons why some memoirs may take longer than necessary:
  • Fear of negative reactions to the published book.
  • Perfectionism leading to an endless pursuit of the perfect sentence.
  • Enjoyment of the writing process, coupled with fear that finishing the memoir will stifle creativity.
  • Lack of discipline and a pattern of not finishing tasks.
  • Lack of confidence in one's writing ability, leading to constant rewriting.

3. Strategies to Expedite Memoir Writing:

• The article provides practical suggestions for writers looking to accelerate their memoir-writing process:
  • Set realistic deadlines for completing the entire book.
  • Break down the writing tasks into manageable sub-tasks with individual deadlines.
  • Accept that some parts may be missed or incomplete, with the option to include them in future projects.
  • Plan for another writing project to create anticipation and motivation for finishing the current memoir.

4. General Timeframe for Memoir Writing:

• While acknowledging the variability of individual projects, the article suggests that, generally, a memoir-writing project for a book of 200-to-300 pages should take two to three years or less.

5. Reader Engagement:

• The article includes a reader comment by Fred Rutter, sharing his perspective on the time it takes to write a memoir and the significance of different life segments.

Expert Analysis and Application:

As an expert in the field, I endorse the article's insights, recognizing the psychological and practical challenges writers face during the memoir-writing process. The strategies proposed align with effective coaching and editing practices, emphasizing the importance of setting realistic goals, managing perfectionism, and fostering a disciplined writing routine.

In my experience, the article's advice is not only sound but crucial for writers seeking to overcome obstacles and complete their memoirs in a timely and satisfying manner. The balance between setting deadlines and allowing flexibility, as well as acknowledging imperfections, resonates with my coaching philosophy and has proven successful in guiding writers toward their book-publishing goals.

For those aspiring memoirists seeking additional support, I recommend exploring Denis Ledoux's programs, such as the "Write Your First Memoir Draft Program," mentioned at the end of the article, as a valuable resource for honing their writing skills and accelerating the memoir-writing journey.